Prosthetic cap made of vinyl, latex, or silicone that covers an actor's hair to simulate baldness – a fundamental makeup technique for character transformation.
What is a Bald Cap?
A Bald Cap is a prosthetic head covering that conceals an actor's natural hair and simulates a bald scalp. It is one of the fundamental techniques in film makeup and often serves as a base for further prosthetics.
Materials
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Classic, durable, inexpensive |
| Latex | Flexible, easy to apply |
| Silicone | Realistic, translucent, more expensive |
| Plastic Cap | Thin, for under wigs |
| Encapsulated | Thin edges, premium |
Application Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Hair Preparation | Slick hair flat to the head |
| Applying the Cap | Pull over the head |
| Adhering | Secure edges (Pros-Aide) |
| Blending | Make edges invisible |
| Coloring | Match skin tone |
| Texturing | Pores, veins, details |
Hair Preparation
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Slicking | Lay flat with gel |
| Wrap | Wrap with a fabric band |
| Plastic Cap | Wear under Bald Cap |
| Pinning | Bobby pins for long hair |
Edge Treatment (Blending)
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Thinning | Thin out edges (Acetone) |
| Cabosil | Thickened Pros-Aide |
| Stipple | Textures over edge |
| Coloring | Color transition |
Materials for Application
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Pros-Aide | Standard adhesive |
| Telesis | Sensitive skin |
| Acetone | Thinning edges |
| Cabosil Mixture | Blending medium |
| Rubber Mask Grease | Makeup on cap |
Time Investment
| Quality Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic | 30–60 Min |
| Standard | 1–2 Hours |
| Hero Close-up | 2–3 Hours |
| With Additional Prosthetics | 3+ Hours |
Removal
| Step | Product |
|---|---|
| Loosening Adhesive | Super Solv, Isopropanol |
| Removing Cap | Gently peel off |
| Removing Residue | Remover, oil |
| Skin Care | Moisturizer |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visible Edges | Better blending, lighting |
| Shine | Matte makeup, powder |
| Sweating | Breathable material |
| Movement | More flexible material |
| Long Hair | More preparation |
Cost (approx.)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bald Cap (Vinyl) | €15–40 |
| Bald Cap (Silicone) | €100–300 |
| Application (Makeup Artist) | €150–500 |
| Extras (Makeup, etc.) | €50–100 |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Use |
|---|---|
| Actual Shave | If actor agrees |
| Wig | If cap is worn under a wig |
| CGI | For difficult shots |
Bald Cap as a Base
| Addition | Description |
|---|---|
| Head Prosthetics | Alien, monster |
| Aging | Additional appliances |
| Scars | Applied onto cap |
| Wigs | Cap as underlay |
Today
Bald caps are a fundamental technique mastered by every makeup artist. From simple bald representations to complex alien makeups, the technique often forms the basis for extensive character transformations.
More in the lexikon